King James Version

What Does Habakkuk 3:9 Mean?

Habakkuk 3:9 in the King James Version says “Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth wi...” — study this verse from Habakkuk chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. earth: or, rivers of the earth”

Habakkuk 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Cushan: or, Ethiopia in: or, under affliction, or, vanity

8

Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? of: or, were salvation?

9

Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. earth: or, rivers of the earth

10

The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.

11

The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. at the light: or, thine arrows walked in the light

Read Habakkuk 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy bow was made quite naked (קֶשֶׁת עֶרְיָה תֵעוֹר/qeshet eryah te'or)—God's bow is completely uncovered, ready for battle. The double expression emphasizes totality: stripped bare for action. This recalls God as Divine Warrior fighting for Israel against enemies. According to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word connects divine warfare to covenant promises—God fights because He swore to the patriarchs and tribes.

Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers (נְהָרוֹת תְּבַקַּע־אָרֶץ/neharot tevaqa-aretz) depicts God splitting the earth so rivers flow forth. This likely references the exodus: splitting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), water from the rock (Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:11), or Jordan's division (Joshua 3:16). The imagery portrays God as sovereign over creation, using nature itself as His weapon. When God acts in salvation, even geological features obey His command.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Habakkuk recounts Israel's foundational salvation history—exodus and conquest—to strengthen faith for coming judgment. Just as God fought against Egypt and Canaan's nations using supernatural means (plagues, sea-parting, sun standing still), He will fight against Babylon. The 'oaths of the tribes' recalls promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes. These covenant oaths guaranteed God's faithfulness regardless of circumstances. For exiles facing Babylonian destruction, remembering God's past supernatural interventions provided hope: the God who split seas and stopped the sun could surely preserve a remnant and ultimately judge Babylon.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering God's past acts of salvation (exodus, conquest) strengthen faith during present trials?
  2. What does God's sovereignty over nature demonstrate about His ability to accomplish His purposes despite human opposition?
  3. How do God's covenant oaths provide assurance of His faithfulness even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עֶרְיָ֤ה1 of 10

“was made quite”

H6181

nudity

תֵעוֹר֙2 of 10

“naked”

H5783

to (be) bare

קַשְׁתֶּ֔ךָ3 of 10

“Thy bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

שְׁבֻע֥וֹת4 of 10

“according to the oaths”

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

מַטּ֖וֹת5 of 10

“of the tribes”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

אֹ֣מֶר6 of 10

“even thy word”

H562

a promise, a saying

סֶ֑לָה7 of 10

“Selah”

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

נְהָר֖וֹת8 of 10

“with rivers”

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

תְּבַקַּע9 of 10

“Thou didst cleave”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

אָֽרֶץ׃10 of 10

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Habakkuk. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Habakkuk 3:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Habakkuk 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 7:12-13Psalms 78:15-16Psalms 105:41Luke 1:72-75Hebrews 6:13-18Psalms 143:6

Test Your Knowledge

Habakkuk 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHabakkuk Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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